America tends to lose out on some pretty cool cars released overseas. Volkswagen’s latest plug-in hybrid Golf GTE would be an example of that. Mating two powerplants together – a 148hp 1.4L turbo and direct-injection TSI engine and 101hp electric motor - allow this new compact model a total power output of 201hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That equates to a claimed 0-62mph in 7.6sec and 135mph top speed. Sporty efficiency was the goal of this fifth addition to the Golf lineup. The GTE will be presented at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 4-16th.

The burning question on every potential hybrid buyer’s mind is EV-only range and fuel economy. VW claims the GTE to have a theoretical driving range of 584 miles and a European Driving Cycle rating of 157mpg. When petrol runs dry or in urban situations, it can run in all-electric mode for 31 miles and reach a top speed of 81mph. Charging the 8.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery via a socket behind the VW logo on the radiator grille, takes an estimated 2.5 hours when using a wallbox or public charging station.

The GTE is the third GT in the Golf series and complements the diesel GTD and tuner favorite GTI. With performance in mind, VW included sport suspension, a six-speed DS automatic transmission, and button-activated “GTE Mode” to smoothly push the 3360 lb compact at full power– fun fact, the battery weighs 265 lb. A button-activated “e-mode” is also available for those looking to drive in a zero-emissions state.

Distinguishing the GTE from the other GT models is accomplished by simply eyeballing the exterior color. Where the GTI features red accents, the GTE uses blue. Its daytime running lights also feature a unique C-signature look and the dual LED headlights mimic the 2015 e-Golf. The design of the standard 16” wheels – 17” and 18” aluminum alloy wheels also available – are unique to the GTE as well.

Inside you will find blue decorative seams, leather-wrapped components and a range of electronic gadgets. A 6.5” “Composition Media” radio system display is standard with the “Discover Pro” navigation unit available as an option. Each display offers the driver a variety of accessible vehicle data points such as zero emission stats, energy flow, power meter and e-manager.

Unfortunately, we probably will not see the new Volkswagen GTE stateside but it is another example of clean technology vehicles gaining a bump in performance to sweeten the deal of buying hybrid. Pricing TBA.